elder

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   comparative degree of old

   comparative degree of old: older, greater than another in age or seniority.

   • It's typical for elder married couples to live in retirement homes.
   • The elder of the two was also an elder statesman.
   • She removed Stranleigh’s coat with a dexterity that aroused his imagination. The elder woman returned with dressings and a sponge, which she placed on a chair.
2. 2

   Closer to the dealer, i.e. receiving cards earlier than others.

   • 1923, Ernest Bramah, The Eyes of Max Carrados The deal fell to Copling and the automaton therefore had the first "elder hand," with the advantage of a discard of five cards against its opponent's three.
3. 3

   A leader or senior member of a tribe or community, often of considerable age, respected…

   A leader or senior member of a tribe or community, often of considerable age, respected as an authority figure, especially in a counselling, consultative, or ceremonial role.

   • We were presented to the village elder.
   • At the friendship centre, you can arrange to meet with a social worker or an elder.
   • People saw in the elders, who were closer to death, the manifestation of the divine force that was thought to achieve its full liberation at death.
4. ›+ 14 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      An old person.

      • Treating illness among society’s elders is challenging since board-certified geriatricians (physicians trained, knowledgeable and certified in treating older patients) are in short supply, here in El Paso and throughout the country.
   2. 5

      One who is older than another.

      • Respect your elders.
   3. 6

      One who lived at an earlier period

      One who lived at an earlier period; a predecessor.

      • Carry your Head[…] as your Elders have done.
   4. 7

      An officer of a church, sometimes having teaching responsibilities.

   5. 8

      A clergyman authorized to administer all the sacraments.

      • a travelling elder
   6. 9

      One ordained to the lowest office in the Melchizedek priesthood.

      • After being a member of the Church for a while, Bill was ordained to the office of elder.
      • Jack had been an elder for only a few days when he received a new calling.
   7. 10

      A male missionary.

      • The elders are coming over for dinner tonight.
   8. 11

      Title for a male missionary

      Title for a male missionary; title for a general authority.

      • One of the long-time leaders in the Church is Elder Packer.
   9. 12

      A pagan or Heathen priest or priestess.

   10. 13

       To admonish or reprove for improper conduct by the elders of the meeting.

       • I was eldered for directly responding to someone else's message in meeting for worship.
   11. 14

       A small tree, Sambucus nigra, having white flowers in a cluster, and edible purple…

       A small tree, Sambucus nigra, having white flowers in a cluster, and edible purple berries.

       • Have a tree or two the witches particularly like, such as the alder, larch, cypress and hemlock; then, to counteract any possible evil effects, there must be a holly, yew, hazel, elder, mountain ash or juniper.
   12. 15

       Any of the other species of the genus Sambucus

       Any of the other species of the genus Sambucus: small trees, shrubs or herbaceous perennials with red, purple, or white and yellow berries (some of which are poisonous).

   13. 16

       A cow's udder, especially used as food.

   14. 17

       A surname.

       • Ruth Elder was known for her beauty and acting, but her real dream was to become the female version of transatlantic aviator Charles Lindbergh.

The neighborhood

• synonymgeriatric
• synonymlong in the tooth
• synonymon in years
• synonymelderly
• synonymmzee
• synonymsenior
• synonymold person
• synonymforerunner
• synonympredecessor
• neighboralder